From the moment I pulled this Tomato Basil Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe out of the oven, I knew it was a winner. The way the savory tomato aroma fills the kitchen, blending with fresh basil and crispy chicken, is pure comfort.

I love how this dish brings everything together in one pan, making both cooking and cleaning effortless. It tastes like a hug with every bite, satisfying and elegant enough to impress any dinner guest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish’s balance of flavors depends on using the right ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need for success.

Chicken

6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): Crispy skin and juicy meat add rich flavor and texture.
2 tsp paprika: Gives a warm, earthy depth to the chicken.
1 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp onion powder: Balanced aroma and savoriness.
1 tsp dried parsley and 1/2 tsp dried basil: Bring subtle herbal notes.
3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper: Essential for seasoning every bite.

Tomato Basil Rice

1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (300g): Absorbs all the savory flavors beautifully.
1 1/2 cups chicken stock and 1 1/2 cups water (375ml each, hot): Cook the rice to fluffy perfection.
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (125g, diced): Adds bursts of tangy richness.
1/4 cup tomato puree (65g): Gives the rice its deep tomato flavor.
1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped: A pop of freshness in every bite.
1 medium white onion, diced: Enhances the base with sweetness.
1 1/2 tsp dried basil and 1/2 tsp salt: Complements the tomato and rice mixture.

To Serve

Rocket/arugula or watercress: For a peppery, fresh side.
Shaved parmesan and balsamic glaze: Adds sharp, creamy and tangy finishing touches.

Note: Serves about 6 people generously.

Variations

This recipe is flexible and inviting for your tweaks. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Go Gluten-Free: Confirm your stock and tomato puree are gluten-free for a safe meal.
Make It Vegetarian: Swap chicken for hearty portobello mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable stock.
Add Fresh Herbs: Boost the flavor by mixing in oregano or thyme along with basil.
Lighten It Up: Bake the chicken without skin for a leaner, lower-fat meal.

Cooking Time Breakdown

This no-fuss dish comes together with little active cooking and some oven time.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Essential Tools for Success

Keep these simple kitchen tools handy for hassle-free preparation:

Baking Dish: To hold all the ingredients and bake evenly.
Small Pot: For mixing the chicken spices thoroughly.
Whisk: Perfect to combine tomato puree and stock smoothly.
Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping onion, basil, and other ingredients.

How to Make Tomato Basil Baked Chicken and Rice?

Cooking this comforting dish is easy enough for beginners and fulfilling to create. Here’s what to do.

Season the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken thighs. Pat them dry for ultimate crispiness, then mix paprika, garlic powder, parsley, basil, salt, onion powder, and pepper in a bowl. Rub two-thirds of the seasoning on the skin side and the remaining on the undersides of the thighs. Trust me, the seasoning adds an incredible depth of flavor as it bakes.

Prepare the Rice Base

Begin the rice by spreading diced onions evenly across a greased baking dish. Roast them at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes to soften and develop a light caramel color. Then stir together hot chicken stock, water, tomato puree, sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, and salt directly in the dish. Spread the rice evenly over the top but don’t stir here—that even layer ensures perfect cooking.

Add the Chicken and Bake

Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice, skin-side up, allowing the juices to seep down as it cooks. An optional spray of oil will ensure the skin crisps to perfection. Bake uncovered for about 50 minutes. By then, your rice will cook to fluffy goodness, and the chicken will turn golden and crispy.

Rest and Fluff

Once baked, allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving. I find this step essential because it lets the rice absorb any remaining liquid, giving you those tender, satisfying grains. Gently fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle in fresh basil to brighten the dish.

Serve and Savor

Serve piping hot, with a side salad or roasted veggies. Garnish with shaved parmesan and drizzle some balsamic glaze for that final gourmet touch. Trust me, this meal feels fancy without being fussy.

Tips to Elevate Your Recipe

With these tips, you’ll have perfect results every time:

Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: This helps it cook evenly without being too dry or raw inside.
Don’t Skip Resting Time: Resting locks in moisture and ensures rice is evenly cooked.
Leave the Skin On: It crisps beautifully and lends rich flavor to the dish.
Layer Rice Properly: Spread the rice evenly to get consistent cooking and flavor.

How to Serve Tomato Basil Baked Chicken and Rice?

For an extra touch of elegance, arrange the crispy chicken on a platter over the rice, topped with fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle shaved parmesan over everything, then drizzle balsamic glaze for flavor and visual appeal. Pair it with leafy greens or roasted vegetables. And for a heartier meal, garlic bread complements perfectly.

Nutritional Information

A quick look at the nutrition per serving (serves 6):

Calories: 572
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 28g

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to plan and store.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the seasoned chicken and assemble the rice mixture a day ahead. Cover it up and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Freezing: Store individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F to retain texture and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish is as comforting as it gets. Here’s what makes it so special:

One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup with incredible flavors melding together in one baking dish.
Restaurant-Level Taste: The tomato-basil combo with crispy chicken feels indulgent and gourmet.
Kid-Approved: The rich flavors are mild enough for everyone to enjoy.
Endlessly Customizable: Swap herbs, add veggies, or experiment with the base flavors.
Perfect Leftovers: Flavors deepen overnight, making day-two servings just as delightful.

Tomato Basil Baked Chicken and Rice is a go-to meal for its simplicity, elegance, and coziness. Make it once, and I’m sure it will grace your table again and again!